The Clos du Papillon parcel is a small valley (coulée), wonderfully exposed to the light of the Loire. We find shale, rhyolites but also quartz. The layer of arable soil is very thin (60 cm), which allows for excellent drainage of rainwater. To gather sustenance, the vines need to plunge their roots very deeply through the rocky soil.
During harvest, the pickers make several passes through the vineyard assuring that only grapes at peak maturity make it into this cuvée, from one of the finest vineyards in Savennières.
Expect ripe fruit aromatics including citrus, exotic fruit and baked quince or apple. In its youth, there can be a slight bitter almond edge that softens over the aging process. Expect this wine to drink well with 5-25 years of bottle age.